Minibus – this is a small PCV with more than 8 but not more than 16 seats (in addition to the driver) with a trailer up to 750 kg. People who passed their car test before January 1997 may already hold a D1 restricted licence for social and pleasure use. However, anyone driving a vehicle with more than 7 seats for hire or reward will need to pass their D1 driving test to have the full PCV entitlement.
To drive a minibus which has 9 or more passenger seats for hire or reward you will normally need passenger carrying vehicle entitlement [PCV] (category D1 or D). To obtain this you must meet higher medical standards and take a further driving test.
Coach or Bus – this is a large bus for hire or reward with more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750 kg. Once this licence category is obtained, any size of PCV can be driven for hire or reward and can be either a single or a double decker bus.
To become a PCV driver you must possess a high degree of skill in the handling of your vehicle and also be prepared to make allowances for the behaviour of others.
The right attitude and approach to your driving, together with a sound knowledge of professional driving techniques and the ability to apply those techniques, are essential.
You will be required to undertake a medical examination to comply with the higher medical regulations that this licence category requires which we can arrange for you. Once you have had your medical you will need to apply for your provisional vocational licence.
Once your licence has been approved and returned to you your theory test can be arranged, the theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple-choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.